Using Your Podcast (and Book) as Grief Insurance

If you have an idea for sharing your hard story in your book in a way that serves and impacts others, you are going to love today’s conversation with my new friend, Mandy Capehart.

Mandy is a Certified Grief Educator & Trauma Professional, author of “Restorative Grief: Embracing our losses without losing ourselves” and hosts a podcast by the same name.

Mandy and I connected on the PodMatch platform and I couldn’t wait to have her as a guest to share how her book has become a form of grief insurance, how she recommends you start documenting your hard story, how she shares her book with her listeners who she says are in a care desert (something I can’t stop thinking about), and of course how she’s using the PodMatch service to meet and serve new podcasts hosts.

Apple / YOUTUBE / spotify / YOU CHOOSE

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Mandy's Journey from Personal Loss to Universal Support

Mandy's journey into grief work began with her personal experience of losing her mother in 2016. Her profound grief and the apparent lack of understanding from those around her inspired her to chart a course to healing, not just for herself but for others facing similar challenges.

By 2020, Mandy had penned “Restorative Grief,” a 31-day guide designed to support individuals within faith communities grappling with loss, aiming to foster curiosity and openness in the grieving process.

Creating a Resource that Serves Many

“Restorative Grief” serves as a comforting companion, much like a devotional, to pull off the shelf during times of need. Mandy encourages readers to take what serves them from her book, emphasizing that even a single helpful takeaway makes it all worth it.

Her book's goal is to provide tools for both those supporting grieving individuals and those living through their grief, bridging the gap between personal pain and communal healing.

Mandy describes her writing journey as a seamless outpouring from her personal healing process. By capturing meaningful moments and aligning her work with her core values, Mandy created a narrative that resonates with many.

Her tips for budding authors include “marking the moment“—a practice of pausing to acknowledge and document impactful experiences. This approach not only aids personal healing but could also lay the groundwork for future book-writing endeavors.

Extending Your Reach with Podcasting

In addition to her book, Mandy hosts the weekly podcast “Restorative Grief with Mandy Capehart,” featuring interviews with grief experts and personal essays on her solo episodes. The podcast aims to increase grief literacy and access to resources, particularly for those in care deserts where support is scarce.

By providing a passive yet powerful medium for listeners to engage with grief work privately, the podcast complements the book's deeper dive, offering a gentle invitation to healing.

Mandy also touched on the benefits of guesting on podcasts through platforms like PodMatch, highlighting the importance of serving the audience with authenticity. This approach not only enriches the listener's experience but also helps build meaningful connections within the podcasting community.

Building Authentic Connections through Community

Mandy emphasized the importance of building authentic community connections. Her involvement in online spaces during the isolation of 2020 led to deep bonds with others navigating similar spiritual and emotional journeys. Mandy's approach to building a support network not only aids personal growth but also provides a foundation for sharing resources and encouraging others.

Final Thoughts from Mandy

In her closing thoughts, Mandy shares that the road to healing and success is often non-linear, filled with setbacks and discoveries. She urges us to remain present and committed, focusing on the incremental steps forward rather than perfection.

Thanks Mandy for encouraging us towards a path of healing for ourselves and our readers and listeners.

Mandy's book
Mandy's podcast
Mandy's website
Navigating Grief by Enneagram Type (free resource)

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